RAY DEFOREST is a seasoned veteran of the entertainment industry, boasting an impressive 46-year career marked by unparalleled dedication and multifaceted expertise. As a distinguished member of the Dramatist Guild and an esteemed figure on the NY Board & National LGBT Committee for the SAG/AFTRA entertainment union, Ray's contributions to the arts and advocacy are renowned. Throughout his illustrious journey, Ray has held pivotal roles on numerous Executive boards for non-profit institutions, leveraging his influence to drive positive change within the community. His extensive experience spans across some of the most prominent entertainment companies worldwide, where he has left an indelible mark through his work as a TV producer and host of various acclaimed TV shows. For over 35 years, Ray has been a driving force in producing live entertainment on a global scale, showcasing his unparalleled talents as a producer, writer, and star of the award-winning "Doris Dear Specials". These productions captivate audiences in theaters across NYC and beyond, embodying Ray's unwavering commitment to elevating the theatrical experience. A staunch advocate for the growth and enrichment of theater, Ray lends his expertise to a myriad of projects, from high school productions to full-scale commercial endeavors and non-profit initiatives. His passion for community engagement extends to his role as a prominent LGBT community leader, where he spearheads initiatives to raise vital funds for at-risk youth and promote awareness of pressing social issues. Ray's impact resonates far beyond the stage, as evidenced by his groundbreaking streaming series "Doris Dear's Gurl Talk". Through four compelling seasons, Ray, starring as the iconic "Doris Dear," has garnered widespread acclaim and numerous awards for his insightful and entertaining content, available on his YouTube channel. With an unwavering dedication to fostering inclusivity, creativity, and social change, Ray DeForest stands as a beacon of inspiration within the entertainment industry and beyond.

Doris Dear, famously known as "America's Perfect Housewife," is the dazzling drag persona of Ray DeForest. The journey to becoming Doris began during a pivotal moment when Ray's beloved mother, Taffy, was slipping away due to Alzheimer’s. This deeply personal experience inspired Ray to dive into the world of drag, ultimately giving life to Doris Dear, a glamorous and witty tribute to classic femininity. Doris quickly charmed audiences nationwide with her radiant smile, impeccable fashion sense, and keen attention to detail, earning her the title of "America's Perfect Housewife." Ray DeForest, through Doris, artfully merges a love for all things vintage with a modern flair, creating a unique blend of nostalgia and contemporary entertainment. Doris Dear's performances are a delightful mix of storytelling, humor, and retro glamour that transport audiences to a bygone era of elegance and charm. She fosters an atmosphere of inclusivity and warmth, becoming a cherished figure and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, using her platform to champion love, acceptance, and equality. Doris Dear's accomplishments are as impressive as her stage presence. Her series, "Doris Dear's Gurl Talk," became the #1 show on the streaming network BroadwayOnDemand, earning several prestigious awards, including the Telly Award, Communicator Award, and W3 Award. In addition, Doris Dear is a three-time MAC Award winner and a Broadway World Award winner, solidifying her place as a beloved and influential figure in the entertainment world. With her timeless appeal and genuine persona, Doris Dear continues to captivate audiences, spreading joy, laughter, and a touch of retro glamour wherever she goes. Her legacy as "America's Perfect Housewife" endures, inspiring others to embrace their true selves and celebrate individuality.

Blake Allen, PhD is thrilled to be celebrating a six year collaboration with Doris Dear! Allen has three Billboard charting albums (INSOMNIA; the shards of an honor code junkie; Sonatas). Allen has performed on Broadway (Tootsie, Stephen King's Misery, and Notre Dame de Paris), with the New York City Ballet, Philip Glass, The Eagles, The Who, and Andrea Bocelli, to name a few. Allen is a leading expert on The Sherman Brothers having music directed and music supervised the Off-Broadway Revival of Over Here! which took place right here at the Triad Theatre in 2019! Allen also was the creator and musical director of the award-winning, hit series An Evening With... and co-wrote the shows Folk Wandering and Farmyard Follows. Blake holds a PhD from NYU. Other schooling includes BYU and CCM. For more information, visit www.blakeallen.org / @blakeallenpresents

LESLIE CARRARA-RUDOLPH, is a Daytime Emmy winning performer for Abby Cadabby on Sesame Street. She is a multifaceted entertainer and artist who has dedicated her life to championing the arts through community outreach, workshops, and live shows. Her work has garnered her a Manhattan Association of Cabaret Award nomination for Musical Comedy Performer in 2019. Her shows at have included "What Just Happened", "Moonlight Madness", and "Bizarre Brunch". Other TV and film credits include: "Splash and Bubbles" (2017 Annie Award Nominee), "Nature Cat", "Johnny and The Sprites", "Animal Jam", "ABC’s Muppets Tonight", "A Muppet Christmas", "The Simpsons", and "Forgetting Sarah Marshall". Her work as the purple fairy has allowed her to perform at The White House, and with both The Jazz and Lincoln Center Orchestra and The Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Leslie’s original musical "Wake Up Your Weird" enjoyed runs at The O'Neill Puppetry Conference and off-Broadway. Her radio-show-style podcast series, "Lolly’s Radio Playdate" received accolades from NPR. Leslie and her signature character, candy-loving 5-year old Lolly Lardpop, spend their days helping families and communities navigate life creatively by providing joy through the arts to help them make a difference with their own unique voices.

Cooper daSilva is a vibrant and talented high school senior quickly making his mark in
the performing arts. A versatile leading man and gifted comedic actor, Cooper’s notable
stage credits include Dmitry in Anastasia (featuring his captivating performance of “In a
Crowd of Thousands”), Barnaby Tucker in Hello, Dolly!, Jack in Into the Woods, Archie
in 13, and the title role in Oliver! Jr.
An accomplished, award-winning vocalist, Cooper placed second in the Metropolitan
Youth Orchestra’s vocal competition with his rendition of “Bring Him Home” from Les
Misérables. His elite vocal talents earned him a spot in the prestigious 2026 NYSSMA
All-State Choir—selected as one of only 200 students out of over 6,000 applicants
statewide. Cooper has also been a mainstay in the All-County Chorus (2019–2026) and
the NY-ACDA High School Honor Choir (2024–2026). He hones his vocal technique
under the guidance of vocal coach Stephanie McKenna.
Cooper trains in Musical Theater at The Long Island High School for the Arts (LIHSA),
having previously earned consecutive scholarships to their Summer Musical Theater
Program where he starred as Lord Farquaad in Shrek and Nemo in Finding Nemo. To
further his craft, he spent the summer of 2026 attending elite programs, including the
Norwalk Conservatory Pre-College Intensive and New York City Center’s Preludes!
Teen Theater Intensive. He has also studied Broadway Theater Jazz, Tap, and Ballet at
the American Theatre Dance Workshop.
In December 2023, Cooper made his exciting New York City debut alongside his aunt,
the renowned entertainment figure Doris Dear, in her holiday spectacular, An Animated
Christmas. He has proudly returned to share the NYC stage with her every holiday
season since. With his boundless energy, exceptional training, and unwavering
dedication, Cooper is a thrilling rising star to watch.

Natalie Douglas is a 21st-century vocalist with a strong foundation in the traditional pop vocals of the American Songbook and an equally fierce devotion to the modern jazz, blues, rock & country influences of her childhood. Like her idol, Nina Simone, Natalie is drawn to lyrics that tell compelling stories no matter the genre. Douglas is a two-time Bistro, Nightlife, and fourteen-time MAC Award Winner, whose international performances have taken her from concert halls to theaters to intimate clubs and everything in between. She has produced 80 concerts at her musical home, Birdland Jazz Club in New York City - most notably her TRIBUTES series, celebrating artists she loves, including, Nina Simone, Stevie Wonder, Stevie Nicks, Elvis, Dolly Parton, Nat King Cole, Dame Shirley Bassey, Ella Fitzgerald, Roberta Flack, Joni Mitchell, Sammy Davis, Jr., Lena Horne, Barbra Streisand, and Cher. Natalie’s portrait also hangs on the legendary Birdland Jazz Club Wall of Fame. The most recent addition to her four CD catalog is the critically acclaimed 2025 MAC Award-winning album “Back to the Garden,” on Club44 Records"." Her CDs are available on iTunes, Amazon.com, Spotify, and her website: nataliedouglas.com, and all streaming platforms. Natalie is a great favorite of broadcasters, and her music is often featured on NPR and Sirius XM Radio & BBCLondon Radio. As an actor, she has appeared in 18 editions of "The Atrainplays," (a 24-hour birth to performance event) at the Neighborhood Playhouse, The Peter Sharp Theatre and New World Stages and off-Broadway in "The People vs. Mona," by the writers of Pumpboys & Dinettes. She appeared in the horror film, "The Camera’s Eye," ABC’s "Cupid" and can be seen with her gorgeous husband showing off the good education her parents paid for on The Discovery Channel’s "Cash Cab." Most recently, she can be seen in the award-winning documentary, “Sloane: A Jazz Singer,” celebrating another one of her heroes, the late, great Carol Sloane, in domestic & and international film festivals. In addition, Douglas has made her mark as a much sought-after educator and actor – an Expert Instructor for the Jim & Elizabeth Sullivan Foundation, the Eugene O’Neill Cabaret & Performance Conference, and the Mabel Mercer Foundation, where she has been named Education Director. ​ Natalie specializes in diversity workshops and masterclasses for public and private schools and devoting attention to individual study. Natalie is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of USC with a Magna Cum Laude Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology, Theatre, and Women’s Studies and holds a Master’s Degree from UCLA in Psychology and Theatre.

Meg Flather has won two Bistro and three MAC Awards as a performer—including Major Female Artist—, a MAC and BroadwayWorld Award as a songwriter, and the Special Production MAC Award for her show Meg Flather Songs/A Cabaret Sisterhood. Meg’s Hammerstein & Sondheim CAREFULLY TAUGHT won a BroadwayWorld Award for Best Show, and Meg’s solo musical, Hold On Tight . . . a love story was awarded the United Solo Award for Best Storytelling Show. Meg has released ten CDs of her original music and has authored two books: Home Shopping Diva. . . Lessons, Lyrics and Lipstick and Hold On Tight . . . a love story. Meg proudly serves as the North American Brand Ambassador for StriVectin Skincare—promoting the brand on QVC and TSC, Canada.

Celebrating 10 wonderful years of performing together, Those Girls are a popular favorite with audiences and critics alike, look to THOSE GIRLS (Eve Eaton, Rachel Hanser, Karen Mack & Wendy Russell) for lush, harmonies, fun arrangements, and fresh takes on standards to showtunes to pop and then some! They're four-time MAC Award winners for Best Vocal Group, and were chosen Best Vocal Group 2024 & Best Group Show 2020 by BroadwayWorld.com. Through the MMF, they made their Carnegie Hall debut in 2019, JALC in 2022, 2023 & 2024. www.thosegirlssing.com